old school imports

[Mr.Molasses]

I just love the style of teh 80 cars i mentioned. And they seem to have everything i want - good looks, all three of those cars came as a 2 seater, 5 speed, RWD, and they are all pretty cheap for how much fun you can have in them, and this may be a little subjective but the nissans I6 is pretty much bullet proof.

[youngvr4]

i'd say fix up a 88 supra turbo. i personally love the 86 1/2 to 92 supra's

[VAD0R]

Subaru XT

Aside from the AMC SX/4, the Subaru XT is one of the few sports cars of the era that can ride on wet, snowy and muddy roads. Not to mention unlike the SVX or WRX with its air suspension system, that auto levels for the US version (the lower the faster you go) and especially for XTs sold in Canada with a manual lever for operating the level, it can actually go somewhat off-road. Even though the turbocharged 1.8l H4 is more tunable there are more parts and ways emerging to tune the more powerful NA 2.7l H6 or what is called the Subaru XT6. And unlike the SVX some do come with a 5 speed, even though with wide gearing it does not seem to help its 0-60 too much. Also, like the SVX is can reach speeds of 160mph, even though like the SVX with a design which only some or you can say even fewer would love it would also take some time to initially reach that speed. Even though all I can say is the Subaru XT, especially the 1.8Ts with the electronic readers has to be one of the most unique interiors I have seen (in a good way) with the checkered felt seats, large windows, airplane like steering wheel with audio plus other buttons along it, actually 12 point equalizer on audio console, brightened up with orange and red LEDs. Or you can go with the Subaru RX with the same 1.8T H4 as the XT but it lighter, probably cheaper if you can find one and you can say is like the WRX's predecessor.

But aside from that car one of the most tunable out of the ones you mentioned is the RX-7 since you can just swap in a 13B rotary from a 3rd gen RX-7, not to mention the 2nd generation one being quite tunable too. Also aside from headgasket problems I have heard the 2nd gen Supras are actually quite reliable and have been tuned up to 500hp. The Nissan 280z is a great tuner car as well being the lightest and having swapping capabilities from an RB to a Chevy small Block, also the stock engine is also quite tunable as well. However good luck finding one in good condition and when you do they can be quite expensive compared to the other three since they are pretty iconic.

[Mr.Molasses]

I test drove a Subaru XT GL10 about a year ago, and even though, when i first saw it i thought it was hiddous, i drove it and i loved the way it handled. it also had a ton of power for the weight. It did exelent power slides. but it sold before i could make and offer.

the supra is my least favorite of the three because of the weight but still a great car.

i would really like something with good handling and ive heard the Z is awesome if you upgrade the suspension

[shawnwilliams]

Id just look for something a little newer like a 93 rx-7 or a integra, u buy any of those cars and something goes you'll be paying a fortune just to fix and get the part. Plus alot of people who are selling those cars, they have problems and rust and just aint work it. Your best bet is spend or save your money on something a little newer and is going to last.

[Fleet 472]

Originally Posted by Mr.Molasses

mustangs and camaros are a dime a dozen, i want something that people will stare at.

Mazdas, Toyotas and Nissans are also a dime a dozen!

[MclarenF1]

Of the cars that were originally listed, I think the Z car looks best, and would be a great all rounder.

If the Supra is a turbo, that car would probably have the most potential overall. The only problem with that body style, however, is its tendancy to blow head gaskets. The problem could be cured with an HKS metal gasket. You can find several Supras out there that have already had that mod done. Once the gasket is fixed, you're good to go. The reputation of that motor precedes itself. You can make some awesome power without killing the bottom end. The first car my brother and I ever souped up was a 91 Supra turbo. It's still one of the baddest straight line cars I've driven to this day. Sure was a money pit before we were done with it, though.

As for the RX7, I like those. Light, tight, and ready to fight. I know I might regret saying this for all the wailing and gnashing of teeth that will ensue- but I really want to take one of those and drop a carbed small block into it. So much speed for so little money. And it would be really easy to work on everything yourself, too.

Overall though, I would probably go for the supra if it's a turbo, and for the Z if the Supra is an NA. The RX appeals to me more as a project car, although it would be a fine piece if you just left it alone. If I was going to drive a car everyday and keep it stock, I would have to think hard between the Z and the Mazda.

And I just had to throw in an odball suggestion. Since we are talking about 80's performance cars, did an Omni GLH happen to cross your mind? I know the FWD might be a turn off, but that would still be a cool old car.

[Mr.Molasses]

I was suprised at the supras power at first (I havent test driven it yet) but then i saw that it 3,600 lbs. how the hell does does a ton and a half handle? id i dont know if i mentioned this initially but the 280zx also comes as a turbo. and most people think the 1st gen RX-7 is ugly but i personally love that body style. Oh and as har as costing a fortune if it breaks, I do all my work myself so finding parts would be the only problem.

Im not interested in the omni but i appreciate the suggestion.

[k3smostwanted]

of the cars you chose i think the 280ZXT is the best...great tunability, fairly nice sized aftermarket for the L series motors. last of the inline Z's to be offered to the US...it is sure to be a classic along with its older brother the 240Z. with a few suspension mods and some engine tuning, it can be force to be wreckoned with on any course....

but since you said you dont mind working on your cars yourself...may i add the 2nd gen RX7 TII or maybe the 300zx Turbo. both can be made uberly fast with a little money and both can handle their selfs on a race car in stock trim but wait till you start modding. and yes, i know the 2nd gen RX7 is more unreliable then probably what you want but to me it can be overlooked if you test drive one. and the 300zxT is probably one of the most reliable ZX's every built.

another option i might consider if you could find one is a celica all-trac...

[Mr.Molasses]

I have looked of a snd gen rx-7 trubo II for about a year now and they just dont seem to be for sale in Michigan. then i realized that the First gen is available for cheaper and has been raced in every aspect of racing for years and usually leads its class.

[Oscuro]

*blinks* People think the first gen RX-7 is ugly? *shakes his head* Hell, I find the Second gen RX ugly. Vastly prefer the First Gen, and I want to steal every 3rd gen I see.
On the Datsun, call me nutty, but I never did like the slightly more angular feel to the 280zx, prefer the 280z, 260z and 240z. But either way, awesome cars.
On the Toy', hell, I'd even suggest a '76 Celica GT, and do a quick 22R swap. Quick, and to me, good looking. Finally: You NEVER see an old Celica GT around it seems, least of all modded.

[Thepeug]

I'm obviously a little biased, but what about a CRX? Looks are a matter of personal preference as far as 1st-gen vs. 2nd-gen is concerned, but the '84-'89 rexes are dirt cheap and reasonably reliable if you can find one that's been well-maintained. Unfortunately for the 1st-gens, the aftermarket is scarce, but a 1700-lb car (the '84-'87 HF's weigh in at 1713 lbs) is hard to beat.

[Dreamspawn]

Originally Posted by kman10587

The 3rd gen. Supra had very problematic motors and the RX-7 has always been very expensive to maintain, so I'd go with the 280ZX. My dad had an '81, and the only maintenance he ever did was replacing the clutch at 75,000 miles. He bought it for $7,500 and sold it for $5,000. They are good-looking, pretty quick, agile, and very reliable.

As far as i know the 3rd gen supras other than the head gaskets where asmost bullet proof. Cast iron block i beleve all forged internals. The Rx7s aren' that hard the maintain espically this geneeration the second one i believe is the one he is talking bout. But 2 quick ?S are we talking bout n/a,single turbo, or twin on the supra? n/a or turbo on the rX7?

[tipota]

actually the 87 supra had a bullet proof engine. the only problem is had was the head gasket wasnt torqued down enough so it blows depening on how its driven. if you want one, ask to see if it had th egasket replaced, and if it hasnt, just slap on a metal one torqued down correctly and youll be fine.

[Mr.Molasses]

Dreamspawn - im talking about the 1st gen rx-7, and a n/a '87 supra